Veterans Access Plan

Jason Smith, Director of Veterans Program Development

Director of Veterans Program Development

Jason Smith is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant and will lead the creation of our veterans program. He has been in long-term recovery since 2017 and serves as a Peer Support Specialist. Jason previously managed Resilience, Risk Reduction, and Suicide Prevention for the Alabama National Guard. He also chairs S.A.F.E.R. Together, a statewide initiative that provides voluntary, secure firearms storage options for the Military, Veteran, and First Responder community and connects people with peer support. He was instrumental in passing the 2025 Houston Hunter Act, protecting gun shops and ranges that participate. Jason holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University and serves on the Alabama Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys bowhunting, scuba diving, resistance training, rucking, and time on his tractor.

At Florida Springs Wellness and Recovery Center in Panama City, we proudly provide addiction rehabilitation services for veterans and active-duty military personnel.who meet the requirements of the VA Community Care Network. Recognizing the unique needs of those who have served, our comprehensive inpatient programs can help our nation’s heroes achieve lasting recovery and a healthier, addiction-free life.

Starting July 2025, Florida Springs participates in the Veterans Administration Community Care Network (VA-CCN). This collaboration enhances access and affordability for veterans seeking high-quality addiction treatment. Eligible veterans can now seamlessly access our exceptional care, fully covered through their VA healthcare benefits.

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Our Commitment to Veterans

At Florida Springs, we deeply understand the distinct experiences and challenges veterans face. Our dedicated treatment approach integrates evidence-based therapies and compassionate support, acknowledging the service and sacrifices of military personnel. Our president, George Cannon, a combat veteran himself, personally understands these unique needs and has shaped our programs accordingly.

VA Community Care Network Participation

Our participation in the VA Community Care Network (VA-CCN) provides expanded access for veterans seeking addiction treatment. Through VA-CCN, veterans can receive specialized care at Florida Springs, fully covered by their VA benefits. This network is crucial for overcoming barriers veterans often face when seeking timely and effective treatment.

Personalized Medical Detoxification

Our medical detox programs are supervised around-the-clock by experienced medical professionals. This ensures that veterans undergo detoxification in a safe, comfortable, and dignified manner. Our personalized detox plans address individual health needs, creating a strong foundation for successful ongoing recovery.

Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation

At Florida Springs, veterans benefit from intensive inpatient rehabilitation programs. These programs employ evidence-based therapies, peer support, and personalized treatment planning. Our clinical team specializes in addressing co-occurring disorders common among veterans, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, all crucial for achieving lasting recovery.

Dedicated Medical Detox Facility

To further enhance the quality and specificity of our care, Florida Springs operates a secondary dedicated facility exclusively focused on medical detoxification. Here, veterans receive specialized and attentive care tailored precisely to their detox needs, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort during this critical stage of recovery.

Male-only Sober Living Support

Recognizing the importance of ongoing support, our dedicated secondary facility also offers a male-only Sober Living environment. This structured, community-focused residence helps veterans transition smoothly from inpatient treatment back to independent living, reinforcing healthy habits and providing supportive community connections essential to maintaining long-term sobriety.

Begin Your Journey to Recovery

Florida Springs is honored to provide comprehensive addiction care tailored specifically to the veteran community. We invite veterans, active-duty military personnel, or their loved ones to reach out today. Let us support you on your journey toward recovery and a fulfilling, addiction-free life.

How Veterans Can Get Care – Visual Flowchart

How Veterans Can Get Care at Florida Springs

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